News

The Thailand floods have left thousands of older people stranded at home.

As world population reaches seven billion (31 October), HelpAge International applaud the United Nations Population Fund, (State of the World Population, 2011) for dispelling harmful myths about ageing.

As Thailand starts a three day public holiday (27 – 30 October) across Bangkok and flood-affected regions, HelpAge International is increasingly anxious not enough is being done to deliver care for thousands of older, vulnerable people at risk from worsening floods.

Richard Blewitt, CEO, HelpAge International: “Today’s report by the ILO and Michelle Bachelet should be celebrated for providing progressive recommendations ahead of the G20, and offering a sustainable solution to the financial crisis and rising poverty, which benefits both developed and developing countries."

The worst floods in five decades have devastated one third of Thailand´s provinces since July and have killed almost 400 people.

An update on HelpAge's progress in East Africa 100 days after UK appeals for the drought crisis were launched in July 2011.

As a members of the DEC, our two organisations, work hand in hand to fundraise and deliver in response to emergency relief efforts around the world on behalf of vulnerable older people fighting for survival. We support this high profile broadcast opportunity to challenge many of the misconceptions which have clouded appropriate and responsible aid delivery over recent years.

In his message for the International Day of Older Persons, UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called on “governments and communities everywhere to provide more opportunities for their ageing populations”.It was therefore only fitting that two older people took to the stage at the Salvation Army Auditorium in New York to speak about campaigning for older people’s rights.

We are very sorry that Luz Barreto, a member of our board, died on 12 October 2011 after a short illness.

Last Saturday 1 October, people around the world celebrated the UN International Day of Older Persons and the fifth year of HelpAge's Age Demands Action campaign to support older people's rights and stop age discrimination.

HelpAge International's Age Demands Action campaign culminates in a day of action on 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons.